In a big supermarket this afternoon, I saw a couple with a boy aged about 7, going rigorously through the bargain shelves... later, they were behind me in the queue. I notice that mum n dad both looked quite downcast, son quite polite and helpful to his parents, and that every item of their meagre shopping is stickered as on or past sell by date.
As I'm receiving my change, I lean into and around the Perspex sheet from the packing end, so that only the cashier can hear and quietly ask it the tenner I'm being proffered as change can go towards their shopping when they come through. I just want to pack my three items and leave asap without interaction needed..
I'm told no - she will have to call a supervisor... she does, and loudly explains my request, holding my tenner aloft. The supervisor just stares at me.
Now I have done this before in supermarkets, one beginning with M and one beginning with S and was then met with whispered warmth and cheery help, so i wasn't expecting this wall of - well, blankness.
I said that I'd done it before, it's not a big deal, and was told to give it to them myself. I notice the son understands some of what's going on but the parents don't and, not wanting to cause any discomfort for them, I take the blasted tenner, mention the word 'ridiculous' and hurry off to the car park...
I didn't handle it well as I was very embarrassed but I don't think staff did either tbh...
Thoughts please?